Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-09-16
LOVE IN PHILADELPHIA.
An Heiress Outwitted In Her At
tempts To Wed.


dell to n reporter for The Missouri
Republican, land while the papers are
daily chronicling the particulars of sue
cessful Opponents, the cases where
the old gentleman breaks up their plans
are few and far between. But | know
of one instance at least where parental
sagacity got the best of youthful
energy. and it happened in Philadelphia
only last week, and the PHI ladelphia
reporters didn't get on to it either. On
one Of the most fashionable streets
is big square, stone-front residence.
standing away back in the center of a
spacious lawn. In this building re-
sides one of the richest merch ants of
Philadelphia, a fat, jolly old soul, who
rather likes bowl of good punch, and
is partial TO whist. His only living
relative is daughter, who is a rather
handsome girl and remarkably bright.
but rather eccentric in matters Of dress.
The young lady is given rs much
liberty as any other girl moving in
good society, but her father very prop
erly keeps a sharp lookout for adj
venturers and fortunc-hunters and no
man can have the pleasure Of her com
pany without the old gentleman knows
something of his antecedents. About
a year ago young friend of mine be-
gan to pay attention TO the heiress.
Although working on a salary he had
excellent prospects for the future, and
was number one good fellow in every
particular. Upon first acquaintance
the young lady's father seemed to look
upon his visits with favor, and ms
friend was apparently in smooth waters.
until at last it dawned upon the old
gentleman that his daughter was be-
ginning to show a decided preference for
Wilson'S | shall call him-and he
grew cold and distant and finally
wound up by writing Wilson cute
note. requesting him to discontinue
his visits, an q, at the same time, he
gave his daughter bit of fa,herly adj
vice in the same connection, and warn
ed her aga nst recognizing my young
friend in any way. Why this sudden
change in parental demeanor | could
not. at that time, understand. The
RI. however, was full of spirit, and
being by this time deeply in love with
Wilson the warning only angered her,
and, as the old man doubtless expected
she would. met him in the park when
ever she had an opportunity, and, as
matter of course, opposition only
strengthened their attachment These
secret meet ngs went on for some time
and at last the young couple, both be-
Ing of age, decided TO settle the matter
by getting married. Wilson's prospects
had been greatly improved. his salary
had been raised, and he had been prom
ised an interest in the concern for
which he was working, so he felt HIM
self able TO take care of a wife. They
had laid all their plans and all they
acked was parson TO tie the knot,
when one day clerical-looking gem
tleman, approached them as they were
discussing matters in the park. and,
handing them his card. offered h serv-
ice, volunteering the explanation that
he had accidentally overheard their
conversation.
Such enterprise on the part OF
preacher looked rather suspicious, but
the name on the card was that of the
pastor Of very respectable congrega-
ton. so they decided to accept his offer.
In the meantime the old gentleman had
been suSpiciously blind to all that was
going ON. Well, they prepared TO make
the Jump last Tuesday night when the
father had gone to the club, and about
10 o clock that evening the young lady
slipped out by a side door and made her
way to the street. where a coupe and
Wilson were waiting for her. They
drove directly to the ministers resi-
dence, and were ushered into private
parlor. where the Clergyman awaited
them. He at once asked where were
their witnesses. That staggered them.
Ii hadn't occurred to them that wit
nesses were necessary.
ooh, well, never mind" said he.
AN old friend of mine called upon me
this evening, and can call him and
my wife in to act in that capacity.
He left the room and returned in
few minutes with his wife and the old
gentleman, whom the young lady inn
mediately recognized as her father.
The would-be bride was getting ready
to faint but the temporary weakness
was checked by the remarkable actions
of her father. The old sinner sat down
IN chair and laughed and laughed un-
til he was purple, and then he would
blow a little and laugh again, until
they began to think he was going into
Mysteries. The young people, however,
failed to see the joke. Finally the old
man recovered himself and made
little speech to the BRIDE and groom.
you youngsters" he said. thought